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Rules and Governance
A community dog run is not just a place for the community, it becomes, in essence, a community of its own. To keep that community running, we have a set of rules that members agree to follow when they join and we also have a Council that handles the regulatory and administrative work of the run.
The Rules
As a member of the Dog Run you agree to abide by the following rules and guidelines. The privilege of membership is based on the continued compliance with these rules.
- All dogs must be licensed and have all vaccinations according to the current policy of the run.
- Always clean up after your dog and properly dispose of the waste.
- No more than five dogs per member at one time.
- No dogs in heat.
- Do not allow your dog to damage the plants. Fill in holes dug by your dog.
- No dogs in the garden section.
- Do not copy the key, lend the key, or let in non-members.
- Make sure the gates are closed behind you as you enter and leave.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- You accept all risk to you and your dog within the dog run.
Additionally, the following guidelines are expected to be followed within the run. The sensible way to avoid conflicts is to be alert, aware, and considerate of others.
- Toys in the dog run are no longer private property.
- If two dogs are incompatible, the owners will negotiate time in the run.
- If two dogs fight, both leave.
- Food in the dog run can lead to problems.
- Smokers – containers are provided for your cigarette butts... use them.
- Garbage & Debris – see it, pick it up!
- Multiple complaints about dogs or their owners will be addressed by the dog run community.
The Council
The run is maintained, funded, and managed by its members. In addition to the jobs that individual members volunteer to do, the main organizational work is handled by a council of four. The Council is elected by the members every May on Membership Day and meets several times per year to discuss administrative issues, maintenance, the budget, the run rules, and fundraising. Any member of Astro's Community Dog Run can volunteer and run for election to the council. There is no term limit and people are free to run for a position and serve several years in a row if they like.
Coordinator - Mary Panzer
Coordinate volunteers. Liaise with Chairperson and Board of HKNA. Liase with Port Authority. Initiate and manage special projects. Write newsletters. Ensure Membership Day is successful each year and that all administrative and maintenance work for the run is accomplished as needed. Fill in for other council members if necessary. Call and run Council meetings as needed for decision making. Prepare annual budget w/Treasurer for Council approval. Serve as point of contact for everything related to the dog run. Useful skills include organization, project management, written and verbal communication skills.
Maintenance - CURRENTLY VACANT
Make sure all maintenance jobs are filled by volunteers, that they are trained and that all equipment and supplies are available and maintained. Provide Coordinator with a maintenance budget each year. Take care of any one-off maintenance jobs by either doing them or finding a volunteer to do them. Useful skills include delegation, team management and planning.
Treasurer - Casey Cole
Maintain accounting of all money received and spent by the run. Approve reimbursements to volunteers for expenses covered by budget. Liaise with Community Board 4 - make sure they have forms, keys, etc.; pick up checks and membership forms. Send member information to coordinator, email person, and volunteer recruiter. Send checks to HKNA. Liaise with HKNA Treasurer. Prepare annual budget w/Coordinator for council approval. Useful skills include basic financial math skills, ability to update a simple spreadsheet, and ability to go to CB4 every month or two.
Conflict Resolution - Jackson Liscombe
Point of contact for all member complaints. When necessary, arbitrate negotiations between members regarding time in the run, aggressive incidents, etc. Make recommendations to the Council regarding conflicts. Call and run conflict resolution meetings when necessary. Useful skills include problem solving, patience, and written and verbal communications.
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